Posts Tagged ‘resume submission’

Are You Using a Cover Letter With Your Resume?

Sunday, November 9th, 2008

Today’s Job Hunting has a different set of challenges and requirements than the hunt of even a decade ago.  One of the major changes is the importance the cover letter plays.  In fact, it has become as important as the resume.  There are some Managers and Human Resource who pay closer attention to the cover letter than they do to the resume. Which is often a challenge for the potential applicant who may feel that their resume shows their skills and ability much better.  Although they are correct, they are also incorrect.  Take a look for a moment at the evolution of the “job hunt” if you will:

Not too terribly long ago, it was customary to “pound the pavement” to find a job.  Properly dressed with plenty of resumes in hand, the person would go from place to place, personally dropping off the resume.  Sometimes the opportunity to present themselves to the appropriate manager who would be interviewing them, would also arise.  They were able to instantly make a good impression and – more often than not, that interview.  In essence, the person was their own “cover letter.”

Today’s business world doesn’t really allow for this more personalized approach to finding the perfect position. Due to the more fast paced environment that we operate in and the demands and pressures of managers, the cover letter operates as that personal introduction.  It helps to define who the potential applicant is and why they may be a good candidate to interview.  It brings a stronger interest to reviewing the resume and ideally “cinching” the interview.

Honestly, today’s employers would prefer not to have the personal visit. There is real time save in the electronically delivered resume and a nicely done cover letter.  Conversely, today’s job applicant would also prefer the less strenuous approach to finding that perfect position.  The “pounding of the pavement” days are best left behind for both sides.

The next time you are looking for a new position, or if you are looking for a new position right now, you will do well to include a well written letter of introduction with your resume.  There are a few things you may want to know about the art of writing a cover letter as well:

  1. When you write your letter, do ensure that it explains why you are sending a resume.  In other words, what are you inquiring about:  the reception position? the managerial opening? etc.
  2. Identify where you learned about their position:  an online job board? A newspaper advertisement?  A friend?
  3. Encourage to look at your resume by pointing out key elements in it — but only mention a couple, do not use the cover letter as a restatement of your resume.
  4. Your letter of introduction should be a reflection of you.  Does it give an idea of  your enthusiasm, personality, motivation, or your ability to communicate?
  5. Let them know how and when you would like to follow up, by letter, phone call, email or fax.

Utilizing this ever-so-essential tool as a part of your own search for a new position will be very helpful to you and to your potential employer.


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Don’t Get Scared, Get Real

Sunday, November 2nd, 2008

Let’s say you use MyJobSearcher.com to locate your ideal position as quickly as possible.  Even this efficient way of narrowing down your search still leaves you with the hefty work of sending out resumes and writing cover letters.  You want to be noticed.  However, you don’t have the time or energy to write 20 personalized cover letters.  How do you approach the daunting task of job applications?

First, don’t be intimidated, because as long as you know what you are looking for, you are on the right track.  If a good friend, casually swigging a soda, asked you why thought you were a good candidate for a particular position, what would you say? This is basically what you want to get down on paper—the only difference is you need to change the tone of the cover letter to reflect your professionalism.

Professionalism, however is not to be confused with senseless jargon that sounds intelligent but really doesn’t convey anything.  Be as straightforward as possible.  If you’ve found a dream job, convey your enthusiasm in the cover letter. Good employers want the position to be mutually beneficial for candidate and hiring manager.  If you sound enthused, they will be enthused by you.

Your mission?  To send as many job applications as possible so that your resume is on the desk of many prominent employers in the city. You will increase your chances with quantity, but you obviously do not want to compromise quality.  My priority is always set on the jobs for which I am most qualified.  These are the positions that I know I’ll enjoy; the ones that spur bursts of excitement when someone asks me about promising job prospects.

For a position in which you can actually envision yourself, wouldn’t it be best to spend ample time on a cover letter?  Other so-so jobs, for which you have no enthusiasm are your last-resort positions.  A simple resume is sufficient for these jobs, unless a cover letter is specified in the job posting.

The key is not to waste your time pretending.  If you read a job posting and foresee problems, stop right there.  Applying for positions in which you wouldn’t invest your future is like renting an office space and buying a computer and desk, for the sole reason of making yourself believe you own a business.


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